Headache after car accident. Conditions such as neck pain, dizziness, neck twitching, headache, low back and back pain, arm pain and numbness, concentration impairment, sensitivity to light, forgetfulness and stress, which are the most common complaints that occur as a result of traffic accidents, may be symptoms of concussion.
The headache is usually temporary and resolves on its own, although the severity and duration may change when the symptoms are chronic. Headache and drowsiness, both common complaints that occur following a traffic accident, may be symptoms of concussion.
Treatments and Prevention
There are many therapies available for acute or chronic headaches caused by head injuries.
They may include:
Anti-inflammatory or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
Medications designed to ease symptoms such as: pain medication, fever, cold medicine, sedative medication, antihistamine, anti-convulsants, pain relievers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication.
In the acute management of symptoms, it is necessary to decrease and slow the blood flow to the injured area of the brain. The central nervous system is extremely sensitive to blood flow and is able to regulate its blood supply accordingly. These medications that reduce or block the activity of the blood flow may reduce the pain and improve quality of life.
The most important medication to use for treatment of headaches is Prochlorperazine (acetaminophen). It is usually prescribed twice daily for the first day of treatment and twice daily for the second day. It may also be used for the symptomatic relief of symptoms such as pain and dizziness associated with head injuries. An opioid prescription is also useful for treating the pain associated with head injuries.
Diet
The consumption of alcohol will exacerbate or aggravate the effect of headaches. It also increases the risk of developing head injuries. When you drink alcohol you may be more susceptible to suffering from headaches. If you don’t drink alcohol at all, you may reduce the amount of alcohol consumed, and, therefore, the number of headaches you may get. However, drinking two to three glasses of alcohol a week can affect the amount of headache that develops.
Prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields may cause the brain to respond to the headache by releasing adrenaline, or an energy-building compound, that may lead to a rapid rise in heart rate. It is also important that you take care of your heart after a head injury. A study found that repeated exposure to electromagnetic fields may increase the severity of headache in the following days after the brain injury and during recovery.
If you need medical attention for headaches, seek care at an emergency room immediately. A concussion can also have an effect on a patient’s hearing, so keep your hearing at a minimum in the immediate emergency department.
Preventive measures for headaches
Headaches may be caused by damage to a number of body systems. Some of the preventive measures to help reduce and improve headache symptoms include:
Using a headache treatment that decreases or blocks the activity of the blood flow to the injured area of the brain (acetaminophen, prochlorperazine, ibuprofen and naproxen)
Avoidance of alcohol, caffeine and nicotine
Taking a headache medicine (e.g., caffeine, acetaminophen, acetaminophen-containing products) within eight hours before a headache attack
Avoiding activities that bring on a headache
Use of a cooling pill (capsaicin) to relieve pain
Wearing protective headgear, such as a baseball cap, helmet, or windbreaker when going into areas where you may be at risk of injury
Avoiding prolonged exercise and taking medicines for heart, back and ear health, such as aspirin and acetaminophen (aspirin and ibuprofen are sometimes recommended for the treatment of headaches), along with medication to help regulate blood flow
Taking aspirin and ibuprofen (an NSAID medication) before exercise and during the first day following headache treatment may reduce the need for rest and recuperation
Avoiding sun exposure
Staying alert and awake at work and in other types of stress, such as being off duty
Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and smoking
The consumption of alcohol and caffeine are not good for the health of the brain and body. The following are some simple recommendations to prevent headaches in the immediate aftermath of a headache attack:
Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeinated drinks
Avoid exposure to sun
Staying alert and awake at work and in other types of stress, such as being off duty.
The following are some simple guidelines to help reduce headaches after a head injury:
Avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications (painkillers or corticosteroids) within one to two days following an injury
Use an effective headache treatment to relieve headaches if possible, such as acetaminophen, acetaminophen-containing products, analgesicuretics (painkillers or antibiotics) and aspirin
If you experience nausea or vomiting, vomiting, try to eat a balanced diet consisting of vegetables and low-fat, medium-protein foods
If vomiting continues to experience severe symptoms, do not drink water and/drink fluids; avoid alcohol.
